Madonna of the Passion by Carlo Crivelli - 1455 - 1459 - 71 x 48 cm Museo di Castelvecchio Madonna of the Passion by Carlo Crivelli - 1455 - 1459 - 71 x 48 cm Museo di Castelvecchio

Madonna of the Passion

Tempera on board • 71 x 48 cm
  • Carlo Crivelli - c. 1430 - c. 1495 Carlo Crivelli 1455 - 1459

Today we present an example of Carlo Crivelli's early work.

Carlo Crivelli was an Italian Renaissance painter known for his intricate compositions and lavish use of ornamental details. While his exact birth date and early life remain somewhat clouded in mystery, he left an indelible mark on the world of art. Originally from Venice, Crivelli was exiled to Zara and later spent his life in the Marches (a region of eastern Italy). Notably, this piece is signed and dated using classical capital lettering. The artwork intricately weaves an allegorical narrative of Christ's Passion, featuring angels clutching instruments of the Passion set against a backdrop depicting the Crucifixion. The artwork also intriguingly illustrates Jerusalem adorned with Gothic spires and showcases characters with an oriental essence. Moreover, the panel captures the incident where Saint Peter severs a soldier's ear, depicts a vulture (a symbol of death and cruelty) perched on a barren tree, and portrays a child atop a white steed, signifying naivety and fickleness.

Look at all these details! You can spend hours looking at them!  :)

P.S. If you like Carlo Crivelli and other Renaissance masters, please check our Italian Renaissance 50 Postcards Set, which you can check in the DailyArt Shop. There is no mystery; Crivelli is also there!

P.P.S. Learn more about this unique Renaissance painter and his enigmatic (and often surprising) works!